Bright and early Monday morning, Gaston County Schools’ will welcome 32,000 children back to school for the 2013-2014 academic year. We look forward with enthusiasm and excitement to doing what we do best – working to ensure that all children receive the best public school education possible.

When I talked to our employees at last Thursday’s back-to-school convocation, I quickly realized that they are upbeat, optimistic and ready for the first day. They joined me in celebrating everything great about our schools. Their positive attitude and unwavering commitment to the profession is astonishing, especially when public school education in America is under attack.

Local, state and national news reports have brought attention to the current debate about public school education – a debate that includes everything from how schools should be funded to what topics should be taught in the classroom. Unfortunately, there is a portion of the citizenry that believes our schools are failing. Some people suggest that educators are not effective in their jobs, drastic cuts in school funding are necessary, and public tax dollars should be used to finance private schools.

While critics attack schools and inaccurately paint public education as broken or failing, what takes place in Gaston County Schools proves that the critics are wrong. Despite absorbing $33 million in budget cuts and eliminating more than 600 jobs over the past five years, our school system has made tremendous strides and I am extremely proud.

Our significant achievements include:

ï‚§ A graduation rate that climbed from 68.1 percent in 2006 to 81.2 percent in 2013. This yearÂ’s rate is the highest in our history Â– more and more students are graduating from high school.

ï‚§ A senior class that earned a record-high $47 million in scholarships to attend the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country.

ï‚§ A number one ranking in school safety among North Carolina Â’s urban school districts.

ï‚§ A certified teaching staff that includes the past three Southwest Regional Teachers of the Year.

ï‚§ More than 300 community, business and faith-based partnerships tha t provide funding and support for classroom teaching and learning.

ï‚§ A campaign that raised $4 million for computers and other instructional technology without relying on local, state or federal tax dollars.

ï‚§ Full accreditation as a quality school syst em from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

These are just a few of the achievements that I am pleased to share – there are many more. Simply put, we are doing a better job than ever before. Every day, good things are happening in our classrooms. The information that comes to my office paints a picture of a school system where teachers are teaching, children are learning, and we are excelling in all areas: academics, athletics and the fine arts. It is clear to me that we are a thriving, successful school system – not a broken or failing one.

Page 2 of 2 - As we begin a new school year, it is time for all of us to come together to support public education, which has served our county, our state, and our nation well for many years. It is time for our voices to be heard and for us to answer our critics with facts and conviction. Educators, students, parents, business leaders and the community must join together as one to ensure that public school education is what we want it to be.

There are many opportunities for parents and the community to become involved in our schools. Parents are encouraged to help at their child’s school either as a volunteer, by attending school activities or by joining the PTO. Community members may choose to serve as mentors, tutors and lunch buddies. Our students need caring adults who are eager to make a difference in a child’s life. You may contact the principal at the school in your neighborhood about becoming a volunteer.

I extend my best wishes to each family for a productive, successful school year. Thank you, parents, for entrusting your child’s education to us – it is a responsibility that we value and take very seriously. I pledge to you that we will do more, care more, and be more to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and to ensure your child receives a quality education in Gaston County Schools.